U.S. patent number 6,740,017 [Application Number 09/891,744] was granted by the patent office on 2004-05-25 for indoor walking workout facility.
Invention is credited to Raul Pino.
United States Patent |
6,740,017 |
Pino |
May 25, 2004 |
Indoor walking workout facility
Abstract
An indoor walking workout facility has multiple pathways
traversing several rooms, with elevated passageways accessed by
elevated paths. The path sections are movable and re-configurable.
Several locations along the paths are equipped with scenery, scenic
images, sounds, climates and smells that complement a theme for the
particular location, such as a mountain walk. The scenic images are
displayed on available surfaces, such as walls and ceilings, in a
manner tending to surround the walker. Intertwined with the
thematic locations are bridges, tunnels, steps, inclines, rope
ladders, simulated rock and hill climbs, and the like, that provide
varying levels of exertion. Walker care stations are interspersed
along the paths for rest and determining blood pressure, heart
rate, temperature, calories burned, miles walked, and other
information related to the walking activity.
Inventors: |
Pino; Raul (Bethpage, NY) |
Family
ID: |
25398749 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/891,744 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/148; 472/62;
482/14; 482/35 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
69/0028 (20130101); A63J 11/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
69/00 (20060101); A63J 11/00 (20060101); A63B
071/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;482/148,75,14,51,907,35-37 ;273/357,406 ;272/1-3,19
;472/62,48,57-94,136,116,128,137
;473/150,157,175,169-174,156,158-160 ;52/64-65,173.1,302.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Lucchesi; Nicholas D.
Assistant Examiner: Amerson; L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kroll; Michael I
Claims
What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
1. An indoor walking workout system, comprising: a path adapted to
be followed throughout the system; scenery positioned along the
path at selected locations, the scenery being viewable from the
path; display surfaces along the path at selected locations, the
display surfaces being viewable from the path; scenic images
displayed on the display surfaces; and an environmental control
system comprising an odor-inducing system for at least one path
location, the odor-inducing system providing smells that complement
the theme of the scenery and scenic images viewable from the at
least one path location.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a walker care
station.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the walker care station comprises
a physical information device.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the physical information device
measures the walker's heart rate.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the physical information device
measures the walker's temperature.
6. The system of claim 3, wherein the physical information device
measures the walker's blood pressure.
7. The system of claim 3, wherein the physical information device
measures the walker's weight.
8. The system of claim 3, wherein the physical information device
measures the walker's calories burned.
9. The system of claim 2, wherein the walker care station comprises
a walker information device.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the walker information device
provides the total distance the walker has walked.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the walker information device
provides the walker's average walking speed.
12. The system of claim 9, wherein the walker information device
provides a comparison of the walk's current performance to the
walker's prior walking performance.
13. The system of claim 9, wherein the walker information device
provides a comparison of the walker's current performance to
expected walking performance based on statistical norms.
14. The system of claim 9, wherein the walker information device
provides information to the walker as to improvement of the
walker's walking performance.
15. The system of claim 2, wherein the walker care station
comprises a seating device.
16. The system of claim 2, wherein the walker care station
comprises a reclining device.
17. The system of claim 2, wherein the walker care station
comprises a beverage supply device.
18. The system of claim 2, wherein the walker care station
comprises a beverage supply system.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one location on the
path is positioned with respect to the scenery and the scenic
images such that the walker's view from the location is limited to
the path, the scenery and the scenic images.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises at
least two partitioned areas.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the areas are connected by
walking passageways.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the path further comprising
elevated sections, and wherein the passageways are elevated, the
elevated passageways being accessed by the elevated path
sections.
23. The system of claim 20, wherein at least two of the areas are
partitioned by the display surfaces.
24. The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental control system
further comprises an air filtration system.
25. The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental control system
further comprises a temperature adjustment system for at least one
path location, the temperature adjustment system providing
temperatures that complement the theme of the scenery and scenic
images viewable from the at least one path location.
26. The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental control system
further comprises a sound-inducing system for at least one path
location, the sound-inducing system providing temperatures that
complement the theme of the scenery and scenic images viewable from
the at least one path location.
27. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenic images include at
least one image in motion.
28. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenic images include at
least one fixed image.
29. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenic images include at
least one digital image.
30. The system of claim 1, wherein the path further comprises
movable path sections.
31. The system of claim 1, wherein the path further comprises at
least one bridge.
32. The system of claim 1, wherein the path further comprises at
least one tunnel.
33. The system of claim 1, wherein the path further comprises at
least one incline.
34. The system of claim 1, wherein the path further comprises at
least one decline.
35. The system of claim 1, wherein the path further comprises at
least one set of steps.
36. The system of claim 1, wherein the path further comprises at
least one slope.
37. The system of claim 1, wherein the path further comprises at
least one rope ladder climb.
38. The system of claim 1, wherein the path further comprises at
least one simulated rock wall climb.
39. The system of claim 1, wherein the path further comprises at
least one simulated hill climb.
40. The system of claim 1, wherein the path further comprises at
least two paths.
41. The system of claim 40, wherein each of the at least two paths
further comprise indicia communicating the level of exertion
required to complete the path.
42. The system of claim 1, wherein the path includes indicia
communicating the level of exertion required to complete all or a
portion of the path.
43. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery is at least
partially real.
44. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery is at least
partially artificial.
45. The system of claim 1, further comprising a ceiling.
46. The system of claim 45, wherein the ceiling is transparent.
47. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the display
surfaces is a ceiling.
48. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one water pool.
49. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one artificial water pond.
50. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one artificial tree.
51. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one artificial shrub.
52. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one artificial plant.
53. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one artificial rock.
54. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one artificial grassy area.
55. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one artificial desert area.
56. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one artificial beach area.
57. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one artificial cactus.
58. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one recreated historical site.
59. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one recreated pre-historical site.
60. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one aquarium.
61. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one artificial rain forest area.
62. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one area having a holiday theme.
63. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one area having a seasonal theme.
64. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one area having a current events theme.
65. The system of claim 1, wherein the scenery further comprises at
least one area having a theme depicting a city.
66. An indoor walking workout system, comprising: a path adapted to
be followed throughout the system; and means for thematically
characterizing a location on the path.
67. The system of claim 66, wherein the means for thematically
characterizing a location on the path further comprises: scenery
positioned along the path at selected locations, the scenery being
viewable from the path; and means for displaying scenic images on
display surfaces along the path at selected locations, the display
surfaces being viewable from the path.
68. The system of claim 66, further comprising means for providing
walker care at one or more locations along the path.
69. The system of claim 68, wherein the means for providing walker
care comprises means for providing physical information about the
walker.
70. The system of claim 68, wherein the means for providing walker
care comprises a walker information device.
71. The system of claim 68, wherein the means for providing walker
care comprises means for walker seating.
72. The system of claim 68, wherein the means for providing walker
care comprises means for walker reclining.
73. The system of claim 68, wherein the means for providing walker
care comprises means for supplying a beverage to the walker.
74. The system of claim 66, wherein the system further comprises
means for partitioning the system into at least two areas.
75. The system of claim 74, wherein the areas are connected by
walking passageways.
76. The system of claim 75, wherein at least one of the passageways
is elevated, and further comprising means for providing access to
the elevated passageways.
77. The system of claim 66, further comprising means for
controlling the environment along the path.
78. The system of claim 77, wherein the environmental control
system further comprises means for filtering the air.
79. The system of claim 77, wherein the environmental control
system further comprises means for inducing an odor for at least
one path location, the odors complementing the theme of the scenery
and scenic images viewable from the at least one path location.
80. The system of claim 77, wherein the environmental control
system further comprises means for adjusting the temperature for at
least one path location, the temperature complementing the theme of
the scenery and scenic images viewable from the at least one path
location.
81. The system of claim 77, wherein the environmental control
system further comprises means for inducing a sound for at least
one path location, the sound complementing the theme of the scenery
and scenic images viewable from the at least one path location.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to work out facilities and,
more specifically, to theme-based physical fitness facilities.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are numerous facilities providing a place for people to
exercise. While these exercise facilities may be suitable for the
purposes for which they where designed, they would not be as
suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore
described. It is thus desirable to provide an environmentally
controlled walking workout facility that allows a user to walk
along paths that provide varying degrees of intensity according to
slopes, steps, ladders etc. Physical information kiosks are placed
periodically along the paths to provide the walker with
replenishing fluids and also monitors their vital signs to insure
that the workout is adequate to meet the individuals personal goals
while not putting the exerciser at risk from over exertion. It is
further desirable to provide a walking workout facility that
simulates differing terrain and scenery, which could be changed
easily and frequently through the use of projecting images onto the
walls.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to provide an indoor
walking workout facility that would allow a person to walk safely
and comfortably regardless of the weather conditions.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an indoor
walking workout facility wherein an air filtration system removes
pollutants and toxins from the air introduced into the walking
environment thereby maximizing the aerobic benefits of the
exercise.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an indoor
walking workout facility with different paths offering varying
levels of intensity depending on the obstacles and challenges
provided such as inclines, steps, rope ladders, rock-climbing
walls, etc.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
indoor walking workout facility in as natural a setting as possible
including living and ornamental foliage, ponds, rocks and so
forth.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an indoor
walking workout facility utilizing projections of digital images on
the walls to transform an area into a visually dazzling scene that
would, for example, allow a walker to stroll the flat terrain of
the Mojave desert then climb the hilly landscape of the Himalayan
mountains and finish the workout with a walk through the rain
forest.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an
indoor walking workout facility that has physical information units
placed intermittently along the paths to monitor the walker's vital
signs and rate of progress from one unit to another.
Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the
description proceeds.
The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art
by providing a safe, healthy, climate-controlled environment that
can easily be manipulated both physically and visually to allow the
user to change the workout and scenery according to their needs and
desires.
The present invention, an indoor walking workout facility, is a
unique and innovative type of work out facility. Walking workout is
a system of walking paths, surrounded by scenic views, divided into
numerous paths, bridges, tunnels, underpasses, overpasses, and
trails that cross and meander throughout one another.
The scenic views are projected wall images of mountains, forests,
beaches, waterfalls, deserts, historical and pre-historical sites,
cities, landmarks, with an unlimited source of scenery.
Throughout the walking path, rest areas are available for those who
need or want to spend relaxation time near a lake or a waterfall,
or find a quite place for meditation. Countless areas along the
pathways provide not only physical information but also miles
walked, calories burned, heart rate, improvements walker can make
and other prevalent information the walker may access.
The main walking path is primarily flat, with little or no strain
for any walker. Other paths and trails exist to provide walkers
with workout difficulty by using inclines, slopes, steps,
rock-climbing walls etc.
The surrounding terrain will be similar to the projected views and
actual terrain, including temperature and smell. Walking workout
gives an abundant combination of walking and climbing, allowing any
walking enthusiast to create a favorite path. This eliminates
workout doldrums, and promotes exercise, leading to good health for
adults of all ages. Among the scenery, actual displays will exist,
bringing added dimension to the flat wall imagery. Rain forests,
large aquariums with exotic marine life, deserts with cactus,
animals from select regions, are just a few of the unlimited ideas
for actual displays. These areas may be larger than any one section
on the pathway system.
Additional display areas will be created to reflect the current
seasons, holidays and current events.
These changeable displays would have short life spans, monthly,
weekly, and quarterly providing the walker with constant scenic
variation, and provoking interest in returning to the facility.
My invention provides an indoor walking workout system, comprising:
a path adapted to be followed throughout the system; scenery
positioned along the path at selected locations, the scenery being
viewable from the path; display surfaces along the path at selected
locations, the display surfaces being viewable from the path; and
scenic images displayed on the display surfaces.
In another embodiment, the system further comprises a walker care
station.
In another embodiment, the walker care station comprises a physical
information device.
In another embodiment, the physical information device measures the
walker's heart rate.
In another embodiment, the physical information device measures the
walker's temperature.
In another embodiment, the physical information device measures the
walker's blood pressure.
In another embodiment, the physical information device measures the
walker's weight.
In another embodiment, the physical information device measures the
walker's calories burned.
In another embodiment, the walker care station comprises a walker
information device.
In another embodiment, the walker information device provides the
total distance the walker has walked.
In another embodiment, the walker information device provides the
walker's average walking speed.
In another embodiment, the walker information device provides a
comparison of the walker's current performance to the walker's
prior walking performance.
In another embodiment, the walker information device provides a
comparison of the walker's current performance to expected walking
performance based on statistical norms.
In another embodiment, the walker information device provides
information to the walker as to improvement of the walker's walking
performance.
In another embodiment, the walker care station comprises a seating
device.
In another embodiment, the walker care station comprises a
reclining device.
In another embodiment, the walker care station comprises a beverage
supply device.
In another embodiment, the walker care station comprises a beverage
supply system.
In another embodiment, at least one location on the the path is
positioned with respect to the scenery and the scenic images such
that the walker's view from the location is limited to the path,
the scenery and the scenic images.
In another embodiment, the system further comprises at least two
partitioned areas.
In another embodiment, the areas are connected by walking
passageways.
In another embodiment, the path further comprises elevated
sections, and the passageways are elevated, the elevated
passageways being accessed by the elevated path sections.
In another embodiment, at least two of the areas are partitioned by
the display surfaces.
In another embodiment, the system comprises an environmental
control system.
In another embodiment, the environmental control system further
comprises an air filtration system.
In another embodiment, the environmental control system further
comprises an odor-inducing system for at least one path location,
the odor-inducing system providing smells that complement the theme
of the scenery and scenic images viewable from the at least one
path location.
In another embodiment, the environmental control system further
comprises a temperature adjustment system for at least one path
location, the temperature adjustment system providing temperatures
that complement the theme of the scenery and scenic images viewable
from the at least one path location.
In another embodiment, the environmental control system further
comprises a sound-inducing system for at least one path location,
the sound-inducing system providing temperatures that complement
the theme of the scenery and scenic images viewable from the at
least one path location.
In another embodiment, the scenic images include at least one image
in motion.
In another embodiment, the scenic images include at least one fixed
image.
In another embodiment, the scenic images include at least one
digital image.
In another embodiment, the path further comprises movable path
sections.
In another embodiment, the path further comprises at least one
bridge.
In another embodiment, the path further comprises at least one
tunnel.
In another embodiment, the path further comprises at least one
incline.
In another embodiment, the path further comprises at least one
decline.
In another embodiment, the path further comprises at least one set
of steps.
In another embodiment, the path further comprises at least one
slope.
In another embodiment, the path further comprises at least one rope
ladder climb.
In another embodiment, the path further comprises at least one
simulated rock wall climb.
In another embodiment, the path further comprises at least one
simulated hill climb.
In another embodiment, the path further comprises at least two
paths.
In another embodiment, each of the at least two paths further
comprise indicia communicating the level of exertion required to
complete the path.
In another embodiment, the path includes indicia communicating the
level of exertion required to complete all or a portion of the
path.
In another embodiment, the scenery is at least partially real.
In another embodiment, the scenery is at least partially
artificial.
In another embodiment, the system comprises a ceiling.
In another embodiment, the ceiling is transparent.
In another embodiment, at least one of the display surfaces is a
ceiling.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
water pool.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
water pond.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
tree.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
shrub.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
plant.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
rock.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
grassy area.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
desert area.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
beach area.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
cactus.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
recreated historical site.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
recreated pre-historical site.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
aquarium.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
rain forest area.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
area having a holiday theme.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
area having a seasonal theme.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
area having a current events theme.
In another embodiment, the scenery further comprises at least one
area having a theme depicting a city.
My invention provides an indoor walking workout system, comprising:
a path adapted to be followed throughout the system; and means for
thematically characterizing a location on the path.
In another embodiment, the means for thematically charaterizing a
location on the path further comprises: scenery positioned along
the path at selected locations, the scenery being viewable from the
path; and means for displaying scenic images on display surfaces
along the path at selected locations, the display surfaces being
viewable from the path.
In another embodiment, the system comprises means for providing
walker care at one or more locations along the path.
In another embodiment, the means for providing walker care
comprises means for providing physical information about the
walker.
In another embodiment, the means for providing walker care
comprises a walker information device.
In another embodiment, the means for providing walker care
comprises means for walker seating.
In another embodiment, the means for providing walker care
comprises means for walker reclining.
In another embodiment, the means for providing walker care
comprises means for supplying a beverage to the walker.
In another embodiment, the system further comprises means for
partitioning the system into at least two areas.
In another embodiment, the areas are connected by walking
passageways.
In another embodiment, at least one of the passageways is elevated,
and further comprising means for providing access to the elevated
passageways.
In another embodiment, the system comprises means for controlling
the environment along the path.
In another embodiment, the environmental control system further
comprises means for filtering the air.
In another embodiment, the environmental control system further
comprises means for inducing an odor for at least one path
location, the odors complementing the theme of the scenery and
scenic images viewable from the at least one path location.
In another embodiment, the environmental control system further
comprises means for adjusting the temperature for at least one path
location, the temperature complementing the theme of the scenery
and scenic images viewable from the at least one path location.
In another embodiment, the environmental control system further
comprises means for inducing a sound for at least one path
location, the sound complementing the theme of the scenery and
scenic images viewable from the at least one path location.
The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the
description to follow. In the description reference is made to the
accompanying drawing, which forms a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments
may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying
drawing, like reference characters designate the same or similar
parts throughout the several views.
The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken
in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best
defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will
now be described, by way of example, with reference to the
accompanying drawing in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention in use. Shown
is a female walking along a path in a walking workout facility. She
feels safe although she is walking by herself since she is in a
secure building and the weather outside doesn't effect the duration
or intensity of her workout. The air is filtered and the walker is
not subject to the pollutants and toxins that would be taken into
the body during increased cardiovascular activity outdoors.
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the present invention in use. Shown
is a person walking along a path. Various inclines and steps are
incorporated within certain pathways to increase the intensity of
the workout. Physical information units are spaced apart and allow
an exerciser to monitor his or her vital signs. The facility is
segmented into several sections and allows for digital projections
of various scenes to vary from section to section.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention showing the layout of
the walking paths in relation to the various sections and the
various inclines and steps incorporated within certain pathways to
increase the intensity of the workout. Physical information units
are spaced apart and allow an exerciser to monitor his or her vital
signs. The facility is segmented into several sections and allows
for digital projections of various scenes to vary from section to
section.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention in use. Shown
is a person walking into a rest area section of the walking workout
facility. This section has a view of a mountainous region displayed
by projection onto the walls. A physical information unit is
located near the bench.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the physical information unit of
the present invention in use. Shown is a walker standing on a scale
platform with her hands inserted into a biofeedback/progress
monitoring recess in the physical information unit. Displays
located on the top of the physical information unit provide data
such as weight, heart rate, calories burned, miles walked during
current workout, progress as opposed to previous workouts, and
advise and tips to achieve your most effective workout.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a room having a multilevel
configuration. Pathways can be moved from one location to another
and lead from one section to another and can be redirected into
another path or room.
FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the room having a multilevel
configuration.
FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the room having a multilevel
configuration.
FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the room having a multilevel
configuration.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, the figures illustrate the embodiments of the indoor walking
workout facility of the present invention. With regard to the
reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout
the various drawing figures.
10 indoor walking workout facility 12 walker 20 path 22 room 24
room 26 room 28 room 30 room 32 room 34 room 36 room 38 room 40
bridge 42 tunnel 44 incline 46 decline 48 underpass 50 overpass 52
steps 54 slope 56 rock climb 58 rope ladder 70 pools 72 pond 74
tree 76 shrubs 78 plants 80 grass 82 rocks 84 desert 86 cactus 90
rest area 92 physical information station 94 bench 100 passageways
102 elevated paths 104 walls 106 projected scenic image 108
ceiling
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1-9 illustrate the indoor walking workout facility and
system of the present invention, indicated generally by the numeral
10.
As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the walker 12 of FIG. 1 entering the
facility 10 is provided with a walking path 20 that is
strategically routed from a facility entry room 22 through seven
additional rooms 24,26,28,30,32,34. As the path 20 proceeds
throughout the facility 10, the path 20 divides to form other
paths.
Along the path 20, the walker 12 will encounter a wide variety of
bridges, such as the bridge 40 in room 30, tunnels, such as the
tunnel 42 in room 24, inclines, such as the incline 44 in room 28,
declines, such as the decline 46 in room 38, underpasses, such as
the underpass 48 in room 28, overpasses, such as the overpass 50 in
room 28, steps, such as the steps 52 in room 34, and slopes, such
as the slope 54 in room 30. The invention also includes path
interruptions or diversions for simulated rock wall 56 climbs, rope
ladder 58 climbs, and hill climbs, as the walker 12 proceeds
through various paths 20.
At various locations along the paths 20 in the facility 10, the
walker 12 will be able to observe real and artificial scenery. Such
scenery includes pools, such as the pool 70 in room 38, ponds, such
as the pond 72 in room 30, trees, such as the tree 74 in FIG. 4,
shrubs, such as the shrubs 76 in FIG. 4, plants, such as the plants
78 in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, grasses, such as the grass 80 shown in
FIG. 4, rocks, such as the rocks 82 in FIG. 4, desert areas, such
as the desert areas 84 in FIGS. 6-9, cacti, such as the cactus 86
of FIG. 6.
As part of the care available for the walker 12 in the facility 10,
I have provided walker care stations 90 are provided at various
locations along the paths 20, as shown in FIGS. 4-5. Seating areas,
such as the benches 94 in room 26 and room 24 are provided, as well
as, open grassy areas 80 for reclining, as shown in FIG. 4. Other
reclining devices such as hammocks are also provided. Beverage
supply devices such as water fountains are also provided.
An important feature of the walker care station 90 is the physical
information unit 92, which provides heart rate, blood pressure,
weight, temperature, calories burned, and similar information for
the walker 12, as the walker 12 completes the stage of his or her
walk that terminated at the care station 90. As shown in FIG. 5 the
walker 12 stands on a scale platform with her hands inserted into a
biofeedback/progress monitoring recess in the physical information
unit 92.
In addition to the physical information, the unit 92 provides
information for the walker 12, such as the total distance walked,
the average walking speed, a comparison of the walker's 12 current
walking performance to the walker's 12 prior walking performance,
as stored by the unit 92, and a comparison of the walker's 12
current performance to the expected walking performance based on
statistical norms. General information and advice is also provided
as to ways in which the walker 12 can improve his or her walking
performance.
A significant advantage of the facility 10 over traditional
buildings is the passageways 100 between rooms
22,24,26,28,30,32,34,36,38, many of which are elevated to
correspond with elevated path sections 100, as particularly shown
in FIGS. 6-9. Because the path sections 100 are movable and
re-configurable the path 20 through a particular room can vary on a
regular basis to traverse different portions of a particular room.
FIGS. 8-9 illustrate a room that has had the elevated path sections
102 reconfigured to add an additional view of the desert areas 84
and cacti 86.
The elevated paths 102 provide the ability to the create paths 102
with much steeper grades than are available in conventional
buildings with floor-level doors and passageways. The exertion
level required to walk such paths 102 can be adjusted as elevated
passageways 100 at differing heights are chosen for particular
elevated paths 102. Such flexibility allows even the most athletic
walkers 12 to have a strenuous path available if desired.
In order to assist in the selection of the path 20,102 that will
provide the optimum level of exertion for the individual walker 12,
information is provided at the walker care stations 90, and
indicia, such as alphanumeric characters, colored indicators, and
small message panels are provided at various points of entry to the
paths 20,102.
The facility 10 introduces various themes, and sub-themes,
including themes such as nature, desert, beach, forest, mountains,
historical, pre-historical, seasonal, holidays, and the like, at
various locations along the different paths 20. A representative
theme location is depicted in FIG. 4, i.e. a nature theme, with a
mountain path sub-theme.
The walls 104 of the rooms 22,24,26,28,30,32,34,36,38, as well as,
other surfaces provide excellent display surfaces for scenic images
106 that, along with appropriately chosen scenery, establish the
theme at a particular location along the paths 20. These images 106
can be projected upon such surfaces 104 or can be broadcast through
screens on such surfaces 104. The ceiling 108 can also be used as a
display surface, and can be transparent to utilize existing
sunlight when desired.
The invention provides for both still and motion images using all
known media, such as photographic, digital, videographic,
three-dimensional and the like.
When properly arranged the combined scenery and scenic images 106
result in the walker's 12 view in some locations being limited to
the scenery, the path 20, and the scenic images 106, providing a
complete visual perception in agreement with the theme or
sub-theme.
To enhance the perceptory pleasure of the walker 12, the invention
provides environmental control systems. For example, a typical air
filtration system is unobtrusively configured behind display
surfaces or within the scenery. When so provided it removes odors
and particulate from the air that would be inconsistent with the
location's theme and the walker's respiratory well being.
A typical sound-inducing system is also provided that introduces
sounds to the location that complement the location's theme.
Similarly, a typical odor-inducing system introduces one or more
odors to the location that will complement the location's
theme.
A typical temperature adjustment system is also provided that
establishes a temperature in the particular location that
complements the location's theme. This system will also adjust the
humidity in a similarly complementary fashion.
The multi-room aspect of the facility 10 provides the opportunity
to establish and isolate numerous locations along the path 20 with
varying themes that enhance the walker's 12 experience by removing
the mundane aspect of the typical inner-city walk. The themes can
be readily changed to keep the experience new for repeat
participants. Because the path sections 20,102 can be re-routed,
the operator can visually isolate particular areas within a single
room from the path 20 as it lies in that room. The scenery, scenic
images 104 and environmental control systems can then be changed in
the isolated portion of the room, without completely removing the
room from service.
When properly configured and equipped using the concepts, scenery,
scenic images 104, and paths 20,102 described above, the walker 12
can enter through one or more public entrances such as room 22, and
strike out on a path 20,102 that will soon branch and re-branch to
paths 20,102 requiring varying levels of exertion, while enjoying a
complete and refreshing perceptory experience in the various
thematic locations.
Although certain scenery, scenic images, path configurations, and
themes have been discussed, other path configurations and types of
scenery and scenic images can also be used, all in accordance with
the present invention, and as determined by the intended end use
for the overall device 10, as will occur to those of skill in the
art upon review of the present disclosure.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or
two or more together may also find a useful application in other
applications differing from that described above.
While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and
described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not
intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be
understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and
changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in
its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without
departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the
gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current
knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without
omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly
constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific
aspects of this invention.
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